Marsh puts up hand for Test spot

CRICKET: Mitch Marsh has thrust himself back to the head of the queue for the vacant No.6 spot in the Australian Test line-up.

The Aussies will begin their four-match series against India in Pune on Thursday with selectors to weigh up whether to pick Marsh or fellow all-rounder Glenn Maxwell.

As his older brother Shaun tries to edge Usman Khawaja for the No.3 slot, Mitch Marsh put his hand up for a recall with a commanding knock of 75 in the practice match against India A.

Marsh has played 19 Tests, with a batting average of just 23.

He says he benefited from time out of the game with a shoulder injury to work on his skills with the willow.

"I've certainly batted more than ever over the past few weeks, just trying to get better ... I've been working on some game plans," Marsh said, adding that tightening his defence, particularly against spin, was a priority ahead of this all-important tour against the world's No.1-ranked team.

"Probably the biggest thing for me has just been softening my hands, in my defence and also in my attack as well.

"The later you hit the ball, the easier it is to hit gaps especially in the subcontinent when it's turning."

March also opened the bowling for the tourists, sending down nine overs and returning figures of 0-26.

"I'm feeling really strong at the moment so hopefully the body can hold up," he said.